In March 2020, as COVID 19 was declared a global pandemic, the spread of this virus had a profound impact on our lives, including suffering and death. Locally, people lost jobs and incomes, and for at least 6 months children could no longer attend schools for face-to-face learning. Stress and anxiety have plagued many people, especially the poor, the elderly, and those who are vulnerable.
NOC closed its 6 learning centers in Beaufort County in mid-March 2020. Later, under challenging conditions, NOC re-opened 4 of its centers for a 6-week summer program, giving children an avenue to engage in learning and social interaction. Over the past six months, children (“NOC Heroes”) in NOC’s education program have eagerly participated in its after-school program, wearing masks, social distancing, using hand sanitizers, and adopting other recommended hygiene practices. This way of life has now become routine for these children who are adjusting and striving to move ahead without complaints.
There is hope on the horizon as more and more people are vaccinated and as we edge toward some degree of normalcy. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.
Narendra P. Sharma, Founder & Chair, NOC
On November 5, children at NOC’s Island Lutheran Learning Center were treated to a very special visitor – Zoara the Comfort Dog. Zoara is an AKC Golden Retriever that visits local hospitals, schools, senior centers/nursing/care centers, hospice, charities, and community organizations.
Dr. Narendra Sharma, NOC founder and chair, made a presentation on October 28, 2020, to members of the Board of Directors and staff of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. He discussed NOC’s development approach and business model for promoting community development locally, drawing on NOC’s experience and successful results in the local community over the past 12 years. He emphasized NOC’s neighborhood-centric approach to developing and maintaining strong relationships with people residing in target neighborhoods. In this context, Dr. Sharma spoke about NOC’s new Learning Center, located at 4 Southwood Park Drive on Hilton Head Island, SC. This facility, operating as NOC’s flagship center, will meet the needs of children and families living in four low-income neighborhoods where poverty is significant: Sandalwood, Oaks, Hilton Head Gardens, and Woodlake Apartments. Through this new Learning Center, NOC will implement afterschool and summer learning programs for children, periodic health screenings, and workforce/community development programs.
Several members of the Bluffton Police Department recently visited NOC’s Onyx Learning Center in Bluffton to build positive relationships with children and families living in the ONYX Apartment complex. Members of the Police Department helped children complete their homework and also reinforce reading skills. The children were happy to meet members of the Police Department in their neighborhood. 
